ECE 6 lug to 5 lug converion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69Deville · 07-19-2006, 02:42 PM

Has any one used this conversion kit? Once I do the front end swap for disc brakes on my 69swb I will be left with the 6 lug rear end. I would like to run 5 lugs out back but am unsure what year drum setup to use with this conversion. Any feedback you can provide will be appreciated.
Quote of ECE web site:
1963-'69 12-Bolt Rear-End 5-Lug Conversion Axles, Bearings and Seals (Kit)
This kit is a direct replacement for your factory 6-lug setup and includes two 5 on 5" bolt pattern axles along with high quality American-made bearings and seals for a simple, complete installation.

glock35ipsc · 07-19-2006, 03:01 PM

GM went 5 lug front and rear starting in 71.

69Deville · 07-19-2006, 03:15 PM

Would I be able to use the brake hardware and drums from a 71-up? I would like to keep the original rear, just swap the axle shafts.

Joe67 · 07-19-2006, 03:29 PM

I'm not sure how much those 5 lug axles run from ECE.
You can have nice custom axles made to fit your application or swap out the entire rear axle assy from a 71-72 5 lug truck

glock35ipsc · 07-19-2006, 04:29 PM

I'm with Joe. I know you could find a 71-72 rear end complete waaaay cheaper. Not certain on width, but a 73-87 might fit too. Just need to cut and reweld mounts and get a panhard bar. Still would probably be cheaper.

But.... to answer your question.... I beleive the hardware and shoes that are on there now (if in good shape) would be retained, and just replace the drums with 71-72 drums.

69Deville · 07-19-2006, 06:39 PM

Thanks Joe and Glock35. I will see if I can find one out of a 71-72.

**Palf70Step** · 07-19-2006, 09:40 PM

One of the issues you'll deal with on the swap is your 69's axle is narrower than the late 70 and up models. I think it is about 1" to 1 1/2" narrower. To use a 71 and up axles (to 87 I think) you'll need a spacer to make it work. If you can find a 73 and up axle, get the leaf mounts cut off and have your spring pads added, you'll have better rear brakes also. The rear shoes/pads are slightly wider on the 73 up axles.

raiders3581 · 07-20-2006, 01:50 AM

What I did I had my axles redrilled by moss brothers in ontario who also redrilled my drums for a total of 175.00. In hindsight i should have just bought the axle kit. You can also get kits from other custom truck parts stores shop around you will see varying prices

07-19-2006, 02:42 PM	#1
69Deville Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Augusta, Kansas Posts: 7	ECE 6 lug to 5 lug converion Has any one used this conversion kit? Once I do the front end swap for disc brakes on my 69swb I will be left with the 6 lug rear end. I would like to run 5 lugs out back but am unsure what year drum setup to use with this conversion. Any feedback you can provide will be appreciated. Quote of ECE web site: 1963-'69 12-Bolt Rear-End 5-Lug Conversion Axles, Bearings and Seals (Kit) This kit is a direct replacement for your factory 6-lug setup and includes two 5 on 5" bolt pattern axles along with high quality American-made bearings and seals for a simple, complete installation. Attached Images

07-19-2006, 03:01 PM	#2
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: ECE 6 lug to 5 lug converion GM went 5 lug front and rear starting in 71. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

07-19-2006, 03:15 PM	#3
69Deville Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Augusta, Kansas Posts: 7	Re: ECE 6 lug to 5 lug converion Would I be able to use the brake hardware and drums from a 71-up? I would like to keep the original rear, just swap the axle shafts.

07-19-2006, 03:29 PM	#4
Joe67 67 is sold Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 6,738	Re: ECE 6 lug to 5 lug converion I'm not sure how much those 5 lug axles run from ECE. You can have nice custom axles made to fit your application or swap out the entire rear axle assy from a 71-72 5 lug truck __________________ Joe - Formerly 67c10step ------------------------------- 1967 Chevy Stepside - ECE 4/6, fuelcell, 5lug - SOLD gr8lakes - My ebay auctions Click here to order forum apparel :: Click here to become a subscribing member

07-19-2006, 04:29 PM	#5
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: ECE 6 lug to 5 lug converion I'm with Joe. I know you could find a 71-72 rear end complete waaaay cheaper. Not certain on width, but a 73-87 might fit too. Just need to cut and reweld mounts and get a panhard bar. Still would probably be cheaper. But.... to answer your question.... I beleive the hardware and shoes that are on there now (if in good shape) would be retained, and just replace the drums with 71-72 drums. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

07-19-2006, 06:39 PM	#6
69Deville Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Augusta, Kansas Posts: 7	Re: ECE 6 lug to 5 lug converion Thanks Joe and Glock35. I will see if I can find one out of a 71-72.

07-19-2006, 09:40 PM	#7
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,768	Re: ECE 6 lug to 5 lug converion One of the issues you'll deal with on the swap is your 69's axle is narrower than the late 70 and up models. I think it is about 1" to 1 1/2" narrower. To use a 71 and up axles (to 87 I think) you'll need a spacer to make it work. If you can find a 73 and up axle, get the leaf mounts cut off and have your spring pads added, you'll have better rear brakes also. The rear shoes/pads are slightly wider on the 73 up axles. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

07-20-2006, 01:50 AM	#8
raiders3581 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: pomona ca Posts: 187	Re: ECE 6 lug to 5 lug converion What I did I had my axles redrilled by moss brothers in ontario who also redrilled my drums for a total of 175.00. In hindsight i should have just bought the axle kit. You can also get kits from other custom truck parts stores shop around you will see varying prices __________________ 67 short bed fleetside/1997 c1500 exteded cab/ 2004 accord/87 c10silverado 350 od tbi



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